It's the sensor, not the megapixels

Last week brought thrills galore in my camera collection. One example: I found a name-brand 12-MP digital camera online, with manufacturer's warranty, for $39.99. Even with $5 shipping, it's still a great deal -- especially since I plan to give the camera as a gift later on.

At the other end of the spectrum, I visited Wally World for a few supplies, and wandered past the camera bar, where a salesperson was telling someone why he should by a 12-MP camera instead of a 10-MP camera: "You can make larger 8 x 10 prints with the 12-megapixel camera."

I wanted to interrupt the conversation with:

"When was the last time you printed an 8 x 10 print?"

For many of us, photographic prints are an afterthought. I print only a few photos a year, usually as gifts or to frame and display. When I get a frame-able photo, I have Adorama Pix or KodakGallery do the printing. But most people lean toward 4 x 6-inch prints, if they print at all.

(The discontinued camera above is a 5-MP camera with a 1/1.7 sensor. It delivers more detailed photos than the 12-MP camera below, which has a smaller sensor.)

The only reason to choose the 12-MP camera was IF that model's image sensor was physically larger than that of the 10MP camera. (It wasn't.) A larger sensor generally will give better image quality, because the pixels aren't as tightly packed. If it helps, think of how you got better photos from your 35mm negatives than you got from your old 110 pocket film negs.)

If the sensors are the same size, all the consumer will get are larger image files, which mainly clutter your hard drive.

Camera manufacturers: please do your consumers a favor. Tell us the sensor size on the box, before you get snarled up in megapixels. Larger sensors = more detailed photos, and even better photos in poor lighting conditions.

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